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CRAFTS FEATURED Uncategorized

Order Your ~Build a Bat House- Stem Kit~ from BugsRUs

Fall is here and that means OCTOBER and that means HALLOWEEN and that means BATS!


Bats are victims of BAD public relations, specifically because of that FICTIONAL guy, DRACULA!

Bats have been on Earth for more than 50 million years. With over 1,400 species, they are the second largest order of mammals, and those species cover six continents. Globally, bats provide vital ecosystem services in the form of eating insect pests, plant pollination, and seed dispersal, making them essential to the health of our planet.


Making a bat-friendly place in your backyard supports the essential role bats have in the environment. All 15 different species of bats in Oregon eat insects…..mosquitoes, gnats, night flying beetles and moths.


Here’s a few BAT facts:
1.  One Little Brown Bat can eat over 1000 bugs PER HOUR!
2.  The world’s smallest bat is the Bumblebee Bat measuring 1.5 –3 inches in length and weighing  2 grams as a full-grown adult.
3.  The world’s largest bat is the Giant Golden-crowned Flying Fox with a wingspan up to 6 feet!
4.  The oldest known bat was a male Brant’s myotis who lived 41 years.
5.  Of the 1,400+ species of bats in the world, only three are vampire bats that drink blood. They ONLY live in Central America NOT TRANSYLVANIA!

It’s time to help our BUG EATING friends….THE BATS!


Here’s your chance – Build your OWN BAT-HOUSE – STEM kit.
You get it ALL…..pre-cut ALL weather re-purposed plywood, screws and nails along with FULL detailed instructions to build your own BAT-HOUSE. Measures 16 in. tall, 8 in. wide and 2 ½ in. deep when finished. All you need is a hammer and screwdriver.
Features galvanized mesh for inside the house…..gives ‘em traction to climb up inside. Will hold about 35-50 little brown bats. They will use it as a roost as well as a NURSERY!
This package also includes a BAT coloring page and detailed 3 page educational fact sheet about all 15 Oregon bats and why bats are SO important.

If you are interested, please send an email to [email protected] with quantity and your address.
This is a PERFECT activity for scouts, homeschoolers or ANYONE who wants to invite these AMAZING mammals to your property.

htttp://www.bugsrus.org

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FEATURED GOING PLACES OUTDOOR FUN! Uncategorized WINTER ACTIVITIES

Snow Tubing at Diamond Lake

Our trip to go snow tubing at Diamond Lake was a BLAST!                                We had been planning it for weeks and the kids were ecstatic. Truth be told, Brooke and I were just as giddy to go! Between the two of us we have 6 kids total, including two sets of boy/girl twins, and each a singleton girl!

We decided ahead of time we were going to make it a day trip and pack lunches for a little snow pic-nic together. There is lodging options as well and it would be fun to stay a day or two next time! The drive was nice, only about 2 hours from Grants Pass. There is also a little store with food and snow gear just in case you forgot something like I always do! There is also a few dining options located by the store, hotel and cabins.

At the tubing hill they also have a few snacks available and snow gear if needed. One fun thing we didn’t expect was the music playing outside and families eating what they brought in and bbq’n in the parking lot!

The entire atmosphere was family friendly. When we got to the hill, we selected our tubes. They have single or doubles to choose from. While riding the conveyor belt to the top we all realized how fast everyone was going, we were terrified and excited all at the same time! The ride down is about 25 seconds but feels like 5! Little did we know that about 1 hour before closing it’s less, maybe 20 seconds to the bottom and you start to go further and further past the finish line!

That last hour was probably my favorite. Most the crowd had left or went to the parking lot to bbq so the line was shorter. We had gotten over the initial anxiety of going down and we’re having a blast by then! The kids were going down backwards and on their stomachs and my friend Brooke was able to record her and I going down together, best video ever!
Both of our families are from California and have lived in Oregon 10-12 years and this was by far one of the funnest things I have done in Oregon! There were no electronics involved besides a fun video with lots of laughs and amazing family memories made! I highly recommend going to Diamond lake for your next family trip!
The season usually starts in December to March, but depending on the weather conditions may extend to April.
For dates, hours of operation, costs and more details you can visit:
https://www.diamondlake.net/winter-recreation
or call   541-793-3333
(MAP)
By Jennifer Whitney
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FEATURED SOUTHERN OREGON HOLIDAY MAGIC

Celebrate Victorian Christmas in Jacksonville

 Join in the Victorian Christmas Celebration activities in Jacksonville, Oregon.

Holiday Festivities continue on weekends up to Christmas

Christmas Tree Lighting, caroling at 5pm. and visits with Father Christmas from 11am-4pm on  Novemer 30th, 2019.

 Experience an old fashioned Holiday Season every Saturday and Sunday  in December when Historic Jacksonville is transformed into a 19th Century village celebrating Christmas in Victorian style.  Enjoy the buildings decorated with greenery and lights. Listen to  and join in with strolling  Carolers. Sip some hot cider from a street side stand. Take a horse drawn wagon ride.

Don’t miss the Victorian Christmas Parade at 10am.

Stop by Dan McGeorge Photo Gallery to visit Father Christmas. Bring your camera to take photos of your kiddos

Take a ride on the Holly Jolly Trolley for just $1 as it makes a short loop around town and lets you off to shop and eat.

Make sure one of your stops is the 1873 Beekman House Museum at 470 E. California. It’s decorated for a Victorian Christmas in the late 1800s. Costumed docents share the origins of holiday traditions during 1- hour tours between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. every weekend. Find the good luck pickle on the Christmas tree; steal a kiss under the mistletoe; and sample one of Mrs. Beekman’s sugar cookies.

You also can step behind the counter of the Beekman Bank Museum, the oldest financial institution in the Pacific Northwest. Peer in drawers, walk in the vault, and interact with docents sharing stories of late 19th Century banking practices, gold shipping, and handshake deals.

And there are special activities and events every day! For a complete list of event, times, and locations visit www.ChristmasinJacksonville.com and www.historicjacksonville.org.

 

 

 

 

 

 

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SOUTHERN OREGON HOLIDAY MAGIC

Rogue Winterfest 2019

A wonderful time for  the Holiday Season. Bring the family for the weekend events to see Santa and Mrs. Claus, play games, see the beautiful decorations, local art and more.

Activities include Fishing at the North Pole, Coloring and Letters to Santa, holiday building project with The Home Depot, face painting by Leslie Heidner Body Art, and taking that perfect photo in the spectacular Southern Oregon Adventure setting.

Every 45 minutes, the entertainment on the big stage will change, ranging from bands to choirs to individual singers to classical performers during this live musical mash-up.

Santa will be available for pictures, so bring your camera.

Evergreen Federal Bank will feature its spectacularly unique Southern Oregon Adventure displays. We are honored to hold our Festival at this one-of-a-kind venue. Thank you, Evergreen Federal Bank!

Santa’s Visit

Santa’s schedule will be from 10:00 to 11:30 am, 12:00 to 1:30 pm, and 2:00 to 4:00 pm on Saturday and Sunday. When you go fishing at the North Pole, you’ll catch a bookmark that you can use to pick out a children’s book from Santa’s library. Bring your book to Santa, and he will sign it for you!

Tickets

Tickets for Saturday or Sunday during the Weekend Holiday Event are only sold at the door. Admission prices are as follows:

Adult (18–54): $5
Children (5–17) / Senior (55+): $3
Children 4 & under: Free
Family Pass (up to 6 family members): $20

http://www.roguewinterfest.org 

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FEATURED HARVEST FESTIVALS, PUMPKIN PATCHES & MORE!

Fall Festivals, Pumpkin Patches & More!

Southern Oregon is ready to celebrate with some Autumn Adventures.         

Find family favorite Harvest Festivals and Pumpkin Patches, Corn Mazes, Haunts and more. Bring the family and join in for all the fun Fall Festivities.

 Harvest Festivals and Pumpkin Patches

Pheasant Fields Farm Harvest Festival.   Pumpkin Patch, Hay ride, Corn Maze, Music, Local artisans and more! Located at 1865 Camp Baker Rd in Medford, Oregon.  facebook.com/pheasantfieldsfarmoregon 
Flashlight Nights at Pheasant Fields Farm Corn  Maze.  facebook.com/pheasantfieldsfarmoregon 
Fort Vannoy Pumpkin Patch & Corn Maze. Open Daily in October from 11am-6pm. Farm stand, pumpkin patch, kid’s activities. Weekends : Hay rides, zip lines, pumpkin chunker, cow train, monster truck rides, camel rides, petting zoo, bounce house, food vendors.  Located at 5791 Lower River Rd. in Grants Pass Oregon.   www.fortvannoyfarms.com 
Haunted Maze at Fort Vannoy Farms.  Located at 5791 Lower River Rd in Grants Pass, Oregon. www.fortvannoyfarms.com
Scarecrow Festival.  In the centuries-old tradition farmers used to save their crops, you can make your own scarecrow. When you’ve completed your scarecrow you can enter it in the Scarecrow Contest and compete for a People’s Choice Award, OR take your scarecrow home with. Everything you need to make a scarecrow is available in a kit available for purchase. While you’re at the farm plan to take a hay ride, paint a pumpkin or bob for an apple, browse the Hanley Mercantile, enjoy lunch prepared by the Jackson County Master Food Preservers, or tour the Hanley House . Don’t miss your chance to be part of the Scarecrow Festival Weekend!  1053 Hanley Road, Central Point. http://www.sohs.org/node/185002
Grants Pass Shopping Center Halloween Festival.  Trick or Treat at participating store, BugsRUs, Bounce Houses, face painting, kid’s costume contest, balloon animals. 959 NE D St, Grants Pass.

The Wood House Festival. Halloween Open House. Located in Eagle Point, Oregon. https://southernoregonfamily.com/wood-house/

 

Kruse Farms Pumpkin Patch. Weekends in October from 10am-4pm. Pumpkin Patch, Hayrides, Corn Maze, Hay Maze, food and more. Located at 532 Melrose Rd. Roseburg, Oregon. http://www.krusefarms.com/
Young's Fall Festival Youngs Fall Festival.  Open Fridays & Saturdays in October. Located in Roseburg, Oregon. http://www.youngs-garden.com/event/
Mahaffy Ranch Pumpkin Patch.  Pumpkin Patch, Hay Maze, Corn Maze and more. Located in Coos Bay, Oregon. http://mahaffyranch.com/
Klamath Basin Potato Festival.  Parade, food, vendors, Spud Run, music, exhibits and more. Located in Merrill, Oregon.  http://www.klamathbasinpotatofestival.com/home

 

 

>>>>>>>>>Find Halloween Haunts Here

 

    For more Family Friendly Events and Kids Activities download the current issue at:                                                                       southernoregonfamily.com

October 2019 Cover Southern Oregon Family Magazine

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HARVEST FESTIVALS, PUMPKIN PATCHES & MORE! Uncategorized

Pheasant Field Farms Harvest Festival

Pheasant Field Farms Harvest Festival and Pumpkin Patch is a family favorite  in the Rogue Valley.

Pheasant Field Farms Harvest Festival

Held every weekend in October there is a bounty of colorful pumpkins of all sizes to choose from and fun activities to do.

 

Kids will have fun in the bounce houses or getting their faces painted among other booths or climbing on the hay hill.

Pheasant Field Farms Harvest Festival

A  cow train ride ride is very popular.

Pheasant Field Farms Harvest Festival

The family can take a tractor pulled wagon ride to hear about the farm .

There is a big barn marketplace where you can do a little shopping and a cafe where you can get a bite to eat.

The huge Corn Maze is always fun and they host night time events.

Located at 1865 Camp Baker Rd, Medford, Oregon.

 

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GOING PLACES OUTDOOR FUN!

Kayaking at Spring Creek

Ever since seeing pictures of the clear blue water of Spring Creek, I was dying to go!  In August, we had the chance to go and didn’t hesitate.

We put in at Spring Creek Recreation Site and kayaked upstream to the headwaters. The current is so gentle that, whether you’re going down stream or up, it’s pretty easy to paddle. This easy paddling allows you to take in the beautiful scenery – especially the crystal clear, turquoise water! I didn’t get sick of staring at it the entire trip. When looking at the other kayakers moving across the water, it looks as if they are gliding on ice … and if you feel the water you’ll find it’s just about as cold as ice. I could only handle having a hand or foot in for a few seconds before quickly pulling out in pain.

Once you reach the headwaters, you can see where the spring originates from bubbling up out of the ground. Some people call the little hurricanes of sand “dancing sand.” My son jumped out and stepped in one and was surprised to find that his foot sank in quite a bit!

We picnicked in our kayaks before heading back downstream.

Another favorite part of the trip was seeing the Mare’s Eggs- a rare freshwater algae that only grow in a few places around the world. It grows in colonies that cover the bottom of the creek in certain areas. I could go on and on about how gorgeous this area is, but all you have to do is take one look at a picture and you’ll be dying to see it for yourself!

Some families bring their own kayaks or you can rent from

Lakes Wilderness Adventures. 112 W Chocktoot St, Chiloquin, OR 97624 (541) 591-0949

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Spring-Creek-Recreation-Site/150598304952078

By Brennan
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FEATURED FESTIVALS Uncategorized

Bear Creek Salmon Festival

Bear Creek Salmon Festival   

Happens in October in Ashland , Oregon.

Bring the whole family to North Mountain Park in Ashland for this free event featuring interactive exhibits, kids activities, live animals, salmon and watershed education, Native American demonstrations, fly-casting, storytelling, live music, and the opportunity to spend the day outside exploring beautiful North Mountain Park.

“Communities Connected by Water” will highlight the connections we all have with our watershed and the diverse habitats that serve watershed health from the highest peaks to the lowest creeks.

bearcreeksalmonfestival.net

North Mountain Park,  620 N. Mountain Ave. in Ashland Oregon.

541-488-6606

 

 

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4th of JULY CELEBRATIONS Uncategorized

4th of JULY CELEBRATIONS

 

 Southern Oregon has several 4th of July Celebrations. Bring your family for Fun Runs, Parades, festivities, street fairs, entertainment and fireworks. Have a safe and fun day!

4th of July Run in Ashland, Oregon.                                start at 7:45 am.  Adults, children and families are welcome. Ashland Parks and Recreation 541-488-5340. Toregister: ashland.or.us/JulyRun

 

 

Ashland 4th of July Parade & Celebration.                                Ashland’s Old Fashioned 4th of July Celebration kicks off  the morning with the Parks & Recreation run. Parade at 10am in downtown Ashland, flyover,  followed by festivities in Lithia Park featuring food, booths, Family Activity Zone, Ashland City Band performs in the Lithia Park Bandshell. Fireworks in the evening visible all throughout town. Ashland, Oregon  Chamber of Commerce ashlandchamber.com 541-482-3486.

Central Point Freedom Festival.                                                              7am pancake breakfast, 7:30am Run 4 Freedom 5K & 1 mile. 8:45am Kids Fun Run, 9:30am Pine Street Parade , 10:30am Pfaff Park Festivities with food, artisans, vendors and free kids activities, 11am Live Music. A full day of activities! Pfaff Park,  635 Manzanita St, Central Point, Oregon.  centralpointchamber.org

 BoomFest!                                                                                                Gates open at 3pm. Live music, kid’s activities, food,  beer garden available leading up the a huge fireworks display. Free entry at the Jackson County Fairgrounds, 1 Peninger in Central Point, Oregon. attheexpo.com 

 

Eagle Point Independence Day Celebration.                                   7-10am Pancake breakfast, 8am Fun Run, Vendor booth 9am-3pm, 11am Fly Over, Parade at 11am, Noon-3pm live music with Rewing & Kid Zone activity area, 6pm Stadium open, 6:15pm Family activities & carnival games, fireworks at dusk Eagle Point, Oregon.  eaglepointchamber.org

Grants Pass 4th of July Celebration.                                      7pm-10:30pm. Bring the family for a live concert  followed by fireworks at Reinhart Volunteer Park, 1690 Webster Street, Grants Pass, Oregon. travelgrantspass.com 

 

Merker/Belnap Memorial Walk/Run.                7:30am. The Merker/Belnap Memorial Walk/Run was established to honor John, Max and Ryan and to raise funds for an annual college scholarship to be awarded in their name. 541-474-0001, grantspassymca.org

Brookings Harbor Celebration.                                                                    Pancake breakfast, kids area, BBQ, family activities, vendors, live music. fireworks at dusk at Sportshaven Beach.  brookings.or.us

 

Klamath Falls Freedom Celebration.                                  Parade, activities and fireworks. klamathfc.org/

 

Glendale 4th of July Celebration.                                                     Pancake breakfast in the park from 8-10am. Parade at 11am. fun activities, fireworks at dusk at High School.

 

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DISCOVER IT'S FREE! OUTDOOR FUN! Uncategorized

Park & Play: Providing Free Summertime Fun!

Looking for free children’s activities to kick those the summertime blues?

The Park & Play program provides free activities, sports, crafts and bounce houses guaranteed to deliver a positive and enjoyable experience for your kids.

The Park & Play crew brings a mobile recreation vehicle and leads children in fun, engaging outdoor activities aimed to increase activity, creativity, and build social skills.

The daily schedule consists of a game, sport or contest, a creative art project and time in the bounce house. The bounce house is monitored closely by staff and administers a time limit to guarantee that everyone gets a chance to bounce safely.

 

Park & Play visits eight Medford parks Monday through Thursday, stopping at two parks each day for two hours; 10 a.m. to noon and 1 to 3 p.m.

The schedule allows Park & Play to visit a park in each Medford once a week to assure that all residents have access to the program. Park & Play runs for eight weeks beginning in June.

Movie Night at Lewis Park

 

 

 

 The program is also available at the Rogue Credit Union Movies in the Park series providing free pre-show movie themed activities Saturday evenings from June through August at several city parks.

Go to playmedford.com or call 541-774-2400 for more information.

 

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